Vee Mampeezy "blesses" his fans with Champion

Botswana’s award-winning kwaito kwasa artist, Odirile ‘Vee Mampeezy’ Sento has released another album titled ‘Champion.’ This follows hot on the heels of his successful album ‘I do’, which was released last year in August and earned him a Metro award. The album, Champion, which was launched together with the video of the song of the same title last Thursday, is expected to hit the shelves in two weeks' time.

The intimate launch gig was held in collaboration with Orange Botswana, which he is a brand ambassador of. Sento, affectionately known as Vee, spoke passionately of his music and stated that he never wants to release half cooked material. While some people thought it was too soon for him to drop a new offering, the pint-sized artist explained that he wanted to refine his work. « ‘I felt that ‘I do’ did not reflect the real me. I had to compromise on a lot of things because I didn’t work alone. In this album together, I worked with Trademark and Universal Music Group, who are both based in South Africa.

Locally, I worked with DJ Bino, DJ Kuchi, Suffocate, Lizibo and DJ Lou,” he said. Sento and his team started putting the ten-track album together in April this year. He noted that 2017 had been his busiest year. He said that he had worked on the Orange tour Botswana and Safe male circumcision campaign. ‘I hired a lodge for three weeks to a month, in order to work on the recording whilst also doing the country tours,’ he said.

Vee said that he wanted to reflect his true identity and his love for Jesus on this album. “This album is very much a street album, and it is more personal in the sense that, I worked alone on all songs so I could send a clear message of how I feel and what is currently happening in my life.” He further said that when he put the album together, he was under pressure from his new record label, the Trademark and Universal studios and he had to ensure that he gave his very best. ‘’They told me that if the whole album is boring they would rather release a single only.

They said no artist is going to change the rules of Universal ; I had to make sure that I produce a hit.  This video cost P250 000 and it is the most expensive video I have ever done. This is a risk I’m taking. I must show that I am an international artist through the standard of my work.  This is the best video to be ever produced in Africa not only in Botswana,’’ he said. For her part, Lepata Mafa- Orange Botswana Director of Legal and Corporate affairs, noted that Vee is a true ambassador of Orange Botswana.

‘We are honoured to have collaborated with the multi-award winning artist to launch his new video. His passion, commitment and busines acumen remain unmatched. He is a true testament that hardwork pays. We applaud him and continue to play a part in development of culture and music arts in Botswana. Vee is a true living legend and a true champion.’

Vee explained that he had named the album Champion because of his belief that everyone is a champion in his or her own right. “I wanted to encourage people to remember that, no matter what you do in life, as long as you are committed and show dedication, you are definitely a champion,” he said. Vee entered the local music industry with his first hit ‘Taku Taku’ back in early 2000s. He has since released 14 albums and Champion becomes the 15th one. Orange Botswana is passionate about his brand, his talent and the fact that he represents what a proudly Botswana brand can do when managed correctly. Mafa emphasised that Botswana is blessed with talent that has to be nurtured, celebrated and supported.